Greece › Crete › July Weather
By Santorini Dave
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Rethymno, Crete in summer.
July is the absolute peak of the Cretan summer. The island is hot, sun-drenched, and buzzing with energy. If you are looking for guaranteed sunshine, the warmest seas for swimming, and the most vibrant atmosphere from the beaches to the cities, July is the time to be in Crete. I love Crete in July, but do be prepared for heat, crowds, and high-season prices – and for an island that is fully alive and spectacular.
Crete in July: What to Expect
• Weather: Peak summer heat. Days are long, very hot, and relentlessly sunny. Plan your activities around the midday heat.
• Crowds: The island is at maximum capacity. Expect all famous beaches, archaeological sites, and the Old Towns of Chania and Rethymno to be very busy.
• Prices: This is the most expensive month to visit Crete. Flights, hotels, and rental vehicles must be booked many months in advance for any chance of reasonable prices or availability.
• Activities: Everything is open and running at full tilt. The party season in Malia is at its zenith, and all tours and restaurants are fully operational. However, strenuous activities like serious hiking require caution due to the heat.
• Temperature: Expect hot weather. Daily temperatures consistently reach the low-to-mid 30s Celsius (88-95°F), and can occasionally push towards 40°C (104°F) during a heatwave. Nights are very warm, rarely dropping below 22°C (72°F).
• The Meltemi Wind: This northern wind is a key feature of July. It provides a very welcome cooling effect from the intense heat but can make the sea on the north coast beaches quite wavy. The famous lagoons and most south coast beaches remain protected and calm.
• Sunshine: Rain is a non-issue. You are guaranteed endless, powerful sunshine and cloudless skies. Sun protection is not optional; it’s essential.
• Swimming Conditions: The Aegean and Libyan seas are at their warmest and are perfect for swimming. The average water temperature is a balmy 24-26°C (75-79°F).
Best Things to Do in Crete in July
In July, the strategy is to do your exploring early in the morning, relax somewhere cool during the peak heat of the afternoon (a pool, the sea, a taverna, or a siesta), and re-emerge in the evening.
The beaches of Crete (like this one west of Chania) are wonderful from June to September.
The Chania Area Beaches
The coastline just west of Chania is a bustling, continuous stretch of fantastic, organized beaches. They are easy to reach by a short car, bus, or taxi ride from Chania, and they are packed with amenities. In July, expect them to be lively and full of people.
• Agia Marina & Platanias: Think of these as the vibrant beach suburbs of Chania. This is the heart of the action. The long, wide, sandy beach is lined with endless rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, and the road behind it is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. You will find every water sport imaginable here. If you want energy, convenience, and to be surrounded by a fun-loving crowd, this is your spot. It is an excellent choice for families with teenagers and anyone who wants all facilities right at their fingertips.
• Agioi Apostoloi & Iguana Beach: Located even closer to Chania, Agioi Apostoloi offers a fantastic alternative to the large, open beach at Agia Marina. Its defining feature is a series of three small, sandy coves protected by rocky headlands. This is a huge advantage in July, as the water here remains almost perfectly calm and flat even when the Meltemi wind is making other north-coast beaches wavy. This makes it one of the absolute best and safest choices for families with small children. The area is set within a lovely park of pines and eucalyptus trees, giving it a more relaxed feel than the main tourist strip.
For Iconic Lagoons (West Crete)
• Elafonisi: This world-famous pink sand beach is a must see, but in July you are sharing it with thousands of other people. You must arrive before 9 AM. By 10 AM, the tour buses have arrived, the main car parks are full, and the beach is packed shoulder to shoulder. The shallow, turquoise water is stunningly warm. An alternative strategy is to arrive after 4 PM, when the buses start to depart, to enjoy the beautiful late afternoon light.
• Balos Lagoon: Breathtakingly beautiful, but access in July is a serious consideration. There are two options. The drive involves a rough dirt road and a chaotic parking situation, followed by a hot, steep walk down to the beach. The walk back up in the afternoon heat is brutal. The ferry from Kissamos is the far better and more comfortable option in July. Book your ferry tickets in advance and take the first departure of the day to get there before the masses.
For Great Swathes of Sand (West & North Crete)
• Falasarna: A massive beach on the west coast. Its sheer size is its biggest advantage in July; you can always find space. It has several different sections with sunbeds and tavernas. It is one of the best sunset spots on the island. Be aware that the northern Meltemi winds can make it very wavy, which is great fun for some but less ideal for families with small children.
• Rethymno Beach: The ultimate beach of convenience. This huge 12-kilometer stretch of sand begins right at the edge of Rethymno town. It is lined with hotels, bars, and restaurants, offering endless facilities. It will be very busy, but it’s a great option if you are staying in the city and want an easy beach day without the hassle of driving.
For a Unique Vibe (South Crete)
• Matala: The legendary hippie beach on the south coast is still a fantastic scene, though the beach itself is compact and gets very crowded in July. The main draw is the vibrant town and the iconic caves carved into the cliffside. The protected bay keeps the water calm and perfect for a swim. Come for the unique atmosphere as much as for the beach.
• Preveli: A truly stunning and unique beach where a river meets the sea, flanked by a palm forest. The biggest challenge in July is the access. It requires a steep walk down a path from the car park. The walk back up in the intense afternoon sun is very strenuous. You must be in good physical shape and have plenty of water. The reward is an unforgettable location where you can swim in both the sea and the cool river.
Visit Key Sites Early in the Day
• Knossos Palace: To visit this legendary Minoan site near Heraklion, you must arrive right when it opens at 8 AM. By 10 AM, the crowds are immense and the site, which has very little shade, becomes incredibly hot and exposed. Visiting between 11 AM and 4 PM is strongly discouraged.
• Explore Chania & Rethymno’s Old Towns: The magic of the Venetian harbors and their maze-like backstreets is best experienced before 10 AM. This is your time for photos and peaceful wandering. In the afternoon, they are packed and hot. They come alive again in the evening, when the heat subsides, and the restaurants and bars fill up.
Take a Boat Trip
A boat trip is one of the best ways to spend a hot July day. It gets you away from the crowded beaches on land and out into the cool sea breeze.
• Balos Lagoon Cruise: The easiest and most comfortable way to visit Balos is by ferry from Kissamos.
• South Coast Trips: Book a trip from Chora Sfakion to Loutro and Marmara Beach. Loutro is a stunning, car-free village, and the boat trip offers incredible views of the coastline.
• Spinalonga Island: Take a boat from Plaka or Elounda. The sea breeze on the ride is a relief, but be aware the island itself has little shade, so go early.
Hiking: A Word of Caution
Samaria Gorge: Hiking the Samaria Gorge in July is only for experienced hikers who are very well-prepared for extreme heat. The temperature inside the gorge can be brutal. You must start at the absolute earliest possible moment, carry a huge amount of water, and be in excellent physical condition. For most people, hiking a smaller, shadier gorge like Imbros is a much safer and more pleasant option in July.
Crete Nightlife in July
Nightlife is at its absolute peak.
• Party Capitals: Malia and Hersonissos are in full-throttle party mode. The main strips are packed every night with thousands of young visitors, and the superclubs host international DJs. This is the epicenter of hedonistic nightlife in Crete.
• City Buzz: The Old Towns of Chania and Rethymno are electric. The waterfronts are full of cocktail bars, and the backstreets hide countless atmospheric spots, from traditional rakadika (places serving raki and meze) to sophisticated wine bars and lively music venues that stay busy until the early hours.
Crete in July: Travel Advice
• For Couples: July is for couples who thrive on energy. To find romance, book a boutique hotel with a private plunge pool to escape the midday heat. Splurge on a seaside dinner in Chania’s harbor and explore the less-crowded mountain villages by car during the day.
• For Families: Crete is a great family island, but choose your base wisely in July. A resort with a large pool and easy beach access (like in Agia Marina or Georgioupoli) is a lifesaver. Avoid dragging young children to the most famous, crowded beaches like Elafonisi during peak hours; the crowds and intensity can be overwhelming. Water parks like Acqua Plus (Hersonissos) and Watercity (Heraklio) are fantastic for a full day of family fun.
• Getting Around: A rental car is a must for fully exploring Crete. Availability in July will be scarce and prices will be at their highest. Be prepared for busy roads, especially along the main northern highway.
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